THIS LAST ADVENTURE

Archie is devastated by his beloved grandfather’s Alzheimer’s and makes up fantasy adventures for the two of them to share.

Eighth grader Archie and his mother live with his Grandpa; Archie’s father left before he was born, and Grandma Ella has passed away. Grandpa is a Vietnam veteran, a retired firefighter who had many adventures but hid secrets about distressing aspects of his life. He wrote diligently in his private journal about good times and bad. Grandpa finally passes the journal on to Archie—with a promise that he only look at the entries he marked. As Grandpa’s Alzheimer’s worsens, Archie is determined to do everything he can to keep him functioning, and he spins fantastical tales that include dragons and pirates. But even Archie realizes that these episodes won’t solve the real problem. Archie’s love also takes the form of a school project relaying Grandpa’s life story; he even finds a woman whom Grandpa rescued from a fire. Interactions with his peers provide an important catalyst for Archie’s growing maturity. The combination of fantasy and realism is not always successful, and the imagined stories feel like interruptions. However, the grandfather-grandson relationship is heartfelt, and the middle school friendships are convincing. Whiteness is assumed as the default for Archie and his family; his friend group is described as racially diverse.

A touching story about intergenerational love that doesn’t quite come together.